Forcing myself to throw up but not bulimic?

Question

Okay, I know I'm probably going to get a lot of ... not so nice answers to this one. Please try to keep it at a minimum, I just want straight information.

I am a little overweight, and have recently been trying to eat better and exercise to lose weight and get in better shape. However, I have those times where I start eating something really bad for me and just can't stop. I usually feel terrible after this, both physically (nauseous) and mentally. So I throw up so that a minimal amount of sugar and fat will be absorbed into my system.

I do NOT do this every time I eat, it is a very rare occurrence (in the past 5 months I've maybe done it 3 times?) I want to know if this can be classified as bulimia and if I should be getting help for it. I'm 18 and I know the dangers of bulimia and other eating disorders. I don't want to end up in the hospital or worse, but I also don't know if, because I'm doing it so irregularly, it really is a health risk.

I haven't done it only 3 times in 5 months because those were the only 3 times I've eaten something bad for me. I do that fairly regularly, lol. Those were times when, after eating, I felt very sick (perhaps because of all the sugar or the richness of the food which my body wasn't used to). So part of it was to make myself feel better, with the undertone of not gaining weight from it. Does that mentality change anything?

Answer 1

Bulimia Nervosa:

A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following:
(1) Eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances
(2) a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)

B. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise.

C. The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months.

D. Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight.

E. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of Anorexia Nervosa.

Types:
Purging Type:
during the current episode of Bulimia Nervosa, the person has regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas

Nonpurging Type:
during the current episode of BulimiaNervosa, the person has used other inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but has not regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas

Picture of effects on the body Bulimia causes:
http://www.4women.gov/faq/Pix/bulimiafaqdia2.gif

Feel free to message me with any questions, but remember don't wait for this to get worse. This IS how eating disorders can start. They snowball until they're out of control. Ask your doctor, school counselor, or have a friend go with you if you're nervous. Remember, it isn't anything to be ashamed of. Eating disorders are heavily stigmatized and stereotyped but are DISEASES and not lifestyle choices. It is not your fault but take the initiative to get help ASAP.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes thats a problem, you may not be doing it all the time but you have the wrong mindset. Just because you not throwing up doesn't mean you don't have a disorder.

Your Dis-Order (thought out of order) is this:

you think by eating the way youre eating will help you get the results you want!

but it won't

It's okay to want a better healthier looking body but doing unhealthy thing won't do that.

Find a fitness model with a nice lean toned build and model yourself towards that.

A fitness model:

-eats junkfood but moderately
-Eat plenty of good quality food (probably twice as much as -you even though they are skinnier)
doesn't throw food up ever
-has healthy looking skin and a healthy body
-is way pretty than a girl who starves herself

by eating less food you body will actually store more fat

instead of worrying about what you ARE eating....worry about what your not eating......vitamins and minerals and proteins etc. are far better at keeping you slim than not eating is.

If you eat something thats not good for you....dont throw it up....just exercise more that day!

Answer 3

Stop it NOW!!! Do not do it again... Clearly you show signs that you could get into trouble with this... Most bulimics know the consequences but still do it... So do not fool yourself... It is a health risk to you... You may want to talk to someone about this (professional)... A friend had a heart attack due to electrolyte levels being out of whack... Please just don't do it!!! You are only human... if you eat something "Bad" for you... Try harder next time not to give in to temptation... And every now and then we all need a treat!!! You should not feel bad about it!!! In regard to your additional info... I am sorry but that does not change a thing... Do not make excuses for your behavior it is what it is...

Answer 4

This is still bulimia even if occasional. You can cause your digestive system a lot of damage if you continue this behavior. I am going to tell you what to do to loose weight and people are going to bad mouth me as well, but I have experienced this lifestyle while others are only guessing as to what it is about. EAT ORGANIC food. Commercially processed food has many artificial chemical ingredients in it as well as ingredients that have been modified to a very unnatural state. This kind of food...the regular food we all know is very unhealthy. It causes weight problems and suppresses our immune systems. These food are hard to digest. In reality our digestive system takes needed nutrients from our food and expels what we don't need through normal body functions. This process is slowed very much when artificial overly processed foods are regularly consumed. Look for organic and all natural foods without preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, hydrogenated oils, bleached flours, vegetable oil, table salt, modified ingredients and so on.
Foods that contain non-hydrogenated quality oils such as conaola, olive, sunflower or safflower; sea salt, whole wheat flours, real whole food ingredients giving flavor and color are ideal. If you begin and continue to eat these kinds of foods you will begin to loose weight as well because your body will be functioning properly. Also avoid meat and dairy products with antibioitics and growth hormones as well. These are also huge culprits in weight gain. I also use herbs in place of drugs. More people are getting smarter and realizing that commercially processed food is the real scam, not organic food afterall. People who eat organic food regulary have no weight issues and rarely get sick. This is a better option than what you are doing right now which is so unhealthy
When I eat an apple, I want an apple real and pure. Not chemical pesticides and fertilizers on the side. Also 'regular' produce has been irridated and no longer contains needed living enzymes. Lack of digestive enzymes also leads to weight gain. Organic produce contains these beneficial micro organisms which also help the nutrients to be assimilated properly.

Answer 5

You know, everyone seems to think it is bulimia or the start. Forcing yourself to vomit is NOT good, so don't do it. If you feel that when you did it, you could not keep from doing it, go get help from a Dr. If you have ANY doubts, go get help from a Dr. Just about any Dr. will tell you they would rather you asked even if it turns out there was no real problem instead of waiting until there is no doubt there is a problem. Here are some sites with information:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000341.htm
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/Easyread/bulnervosa-etr.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/bulimia1.shtml

Answer 6

Doing this has more drawbacks than just giving it a name like bulemia. You need to realize that the acids will eat away at your teeth and throat. If you only do it 3 times in 5 months then there is no reason to do it at all. If those are the only 3 times you have enjoyed eating something that you shouldn't, it is not going to kill your diet. Just stop doing it.

Answer 7

I would not recommend what you are doing. Everyone wants to be thin these days. But its not worth destroying your health. It could become a severe problem and a habit you become comfortable with and when you think you can stop you cant. You could see a psychiatrist who could help you deal with this. Just set a goal for yourself and keep eating healthy and excersising. Try weight watchers...it works! Just love yourself and the body god gave you. We all gain weight as we get older anyway. Thats part of the reason we arent all skinny. God never intended for us to be. I think magazines and the media play a big role in how we view our bodies. We all want to look like the models.........Its not worth it. Good luck

Answer 8

Doing anything to your body like that is a health risk, no matter how rarely. Just like smoking..someone may have one once in a while but it still forms tar in your lungs. If you were doing it everyday like some people your health risk would be increased. Eat healthy and stay active on a regular basis and then when you have those splurges, you deserve it. remind yourself that you've been eating healthy, you wont gain weight from it trust me

Answer 9

Forcing vomiting is never healthy. It messes up your stomach and your throat. All bulimia starts with just doing it once in awhile and then it develops into something more. If you can't stop doing it, even once in awhile then you need help. does it matter if its classified as bulimia or just stupid behavior. Its harmful and you should stop anyway you can and if that means getting professional help before you have damaged your insides then that is what you should do.

Answer 10

Yes, I would suggest getting help. While it is a rare occurrence now, it is something that has the ability to become very serious, very fast. Getting help now will prevent you from possibly having to get help in the future, when it might be too late.
Best of luck.